The Irvington Woods is home to the O’Hara Nature Center, Peter K. Oley Trailway System and the Irvington Reservoir.

At 400 Acres, the Irvington Woods is one of the largest forested areas in Southern Westchester and possesses tremendous ecological value. As part of one of the largest continuous corridors of open space in the New York City Metropolitan area, it provides sanctuary for diverse wildlife, and includes the largest fresh water wetlands in Southern Westchester county.

It’s extensive trail way system is accessible from several trailheads for hiking and biking. Irvington High School’s award-winning scholar-athlete varsity cross-country team practices on the trails here.

The Irvington Woods and the O’Hara Nature Center are rich with educational value and have been the site for school-based programs with the Irvington Union Free School District and other area schools and recreational sponsored educational programs.

 

IRVINGTON WOODS PARK 

Over the last 42 years, the Village of Irvington has acquired parcels of property in the northeastern portion of the Village and has now determined to formally maintain these parcels as public parkland. The Village’s formal designation of these parcels as public parkland was in part brought about through the generous volunteer work of Irvington residents involved in the Greater Irvington Land Trust. In addition, the Village of Irvington had previously formally recognized that the O’Hara Nature Center, the Peter Oley Trails System, and the Irvington Reservoir be collectively known as “The Irvington Woods”.

 

In spring 2019, the Board of Trustees dedicated/rededicated all of the acquired parcels and the Irvington Woods as “The Irvington Woods Park”. It should be noted that although the Irvington Reservoir and its immediate surrounding area were not dedicated as public parkland at this time, the reservoir and parts of the Peter Oley Trails System will continue to be identified as part of the broader Irvington Woods and be subject to the Rules and Regulations applicable to all Village of Irvington public parks.

 

Guided by Rich Goldman